MULHOLLAND TO MEET HOME SECRETARY OVER WINE GLASS CAMPAIGN

5.23.00pm GMT Mon 27th Oct 2008

The Home Secretary has agreed to meet with Greg Mulholland MP for Leeds North West to discuss his campaign to reinstate the selling of wine in the traditional 125ml sizes, in addition to larger measures.

Greg raised the matter with the Home Secretary at Home Office questions today (Monday 28th October) following indications from Government over the summer that they would consider introducing this measure, which was the subject of a Private Member's Bill tabled by the Leeds North West MP. Mr Mulholland's Bill would have amended Weights and Measures legislation to make all 'on-trade' licensed premises offer the 125ml measure of wine, as well as other sizes. Following the Government's indication of support, Greg withdrew his bill knowing that there was a far greater possibility of success if the Government decided to bring in the change.

Greg said, "I am delighted that the Government has indicated that it intends to do what my bill has been calling for to make it mandatory for bars and pubs to offer the standard 125ml measures of wine. This is a very simple change that would improve consumer choice and enable people to be more aware of how much they are drinking. I am pleased that she has agreed to meet with me and the organisations who have supporting my bill to to discuss this.

"I hope that before long, customers will once again be able to have the choice of a smaller glass of wine, as well as the larger ones."

Mr Mulholland originally tabled the Bill in January and it was due to have its second reading on Friday 17th October. The bill and campaign has been supported by consumer organisations Which? and the Good Beer Guide and health organisations like Alcohol Concern and Tacade and MPs from all the main parties.

ENDS